Lawn Care

December Gardening in the Ohio Valley

Protecting Your Lawn from Winter Damage

As winter approaches, protecting your lawn from damage is a top priority. Here are some tips:

• Cut the grass one last time to prevent snow mold.
• Avoid walking on frost-covered or frozen lawns to prevent breaking the blades and damaging the grass plants.
• Use lightweight inflatables for holiday lawn decorations instead of heavy ones that can block oxygen and sunlight from reaching the grass.

Preparing Flowerbeds, Trees, and Shrubs for Winter

• Remove greenery evenly from plants to prevent them from looking lopsided.
• Pull mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs to prevent insect and rodent problems.
• Remove heavy snow loads from shrubs and trees to prevent damage, but let ice melt on its own.
• Continue to water newly planted trees and shrubs when the ground isn’t frozen.
• Mulch perennial flowerbeds if needed.

Preparing Vegetables for Winter

• Clear old plant debris from gardens.
• Remove tomato stakes and trellises and store them for winter.
• Grow indoor lettuce or microgreens to provide fresh produce during the winter.
• Check stores for winter produce and discard any that shows signs of rotting.
• Inventory seed packets and make a list of the seeds you wish to order.
• Plan next year’s vegetable garden.

Other Gardening Tasks for December

• Wrap up unfinished chores before the end of the year, such as repotting houseplants, oiling hand tools, and discarding outdated chemicals.
• Decorate the house with poinsettias.
• Choose a live or fresh-cut Christmas tree early in the month.
• Purchase or handmake gifts for gardening friends.
• Send power equipment out for repair or tune-up.
• Make sure snow removal equipment is within easy reach and fuel is on hand.

How to Protect Turfgrass from Winter Damage in the Ohio Valley

• Cut the grass to a height of 2-3 inches before the first hard frost.
• Avoid walking on the grass when it is frozen or covered with snow.
• Use lightweight inflatables or other decorations that will not smother the grass.
• Apply a thin layer of mulch over the grass to help insulate it.
• Water the grass deeply before the ground freezes.

Tips for Preventing Frost Damage to Lawns in the Central States

• Cut the grass short in the fall to reduce the amount of leaf surface exposed to frost.
• Avoid walking on the grass when it is frozen or covered with snow.
• Water the grass deeply before the ground freezes to help insulate the roots.
• Apply a thin layer of mulch over the grass to help insulate it.
• Cover the grass with a tarp or blanket on nights when frost is expected.

Using Lightweight Inflatables to Decorate Lawns Without Damaging the Grass

• Choose inflatables that are made of lightweight materials, such as nylon or polyester.
• Avoid inflatables that have sharp edges or heavy bases.
• Place the inflatables on a flat surface and secure them with stakes or weights.
• Do not leave the inflatables inflated for extended periods of time, especially in high winds.
• Deflate the inflatables and store them in a dry place when not in use.

How to Prevent Insect and Rodent Problems in Flowerbeds and Around Trees and Shrubs

• Remove all plant debris from around your plants in the fall.
• Pull mulch away from the trunks of trees and shrubs to create a barrier between the plants and pests.
• Apply a layer of mulch around your plants to help insulate them and deter pests.
• Inspect your plants regularly for signs of pests and treat them accordingly.

Best Ways to Prepare Shrubs and Trees for Heavy Snow Loads

• Remove any dead or diseased branches from your trees and shrubs.
• Prune your trees and shrubs to remove any branches that are too close to power lines or buildings.
• Tie up any loose branches to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow.
• Apply a layer of mulch around your trees and shrubs to help insulate them.
• If heavy snow is expected, shake the snow off your trees and shrubs to prevent them from breaking.

Indoor Gardening Ideas for Winter

• Grow microgreens, which are young vegetable plants that are harvested just after they develop their first true leaves.
• Start seeds indoors for vegetables that you want to transplant outdoors in the spring.
• Grow herbs indoors to use in cooking and for medicinal purposes.
• Create a terrarium to grow small plants indoors.
• Force bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, to bloom indoors in the winter.

How to Check for Rotting Produce and Discard Wilted or Shriveled Veggies

• Inspect produce for any signs of bruising, cuts, or mold.
• Avoid produce that is wilted or shriveled.
• Discard any produce that has an off odor.
• Store produce in a cool, dry place to help prevent spoilage.

Inventory Seeds and Plan Next Year’s Vegetable Garden

• Check your seed packets to see which ones are still viable.
• Discard any seed packets that are more than two years old.
• Make a list of the seeds you need to purchase for next year’s garden.
• Plan your garden layout to maximize space and sunlight.
• Consider companion planting to improve plant growth and yields.

DIY Gift Ideas for Gardening Enthusiasts

• Create a personalized plant pot by painting or decorating a plain pot.
• Make a seed packet holder from recycled materials.
• Assemble a gift basket filled with gardening supplies and tools.
• Bake gardening-themed cookies or cupcakes.
• Give a gift certificate to a local garden center or nursery.

Checklist for Preparing for Winter Storms in the Ohio Valley

• Make sure your snow removal equipment is in good working order.
• Stock up on salt or sand to melt ice on walkways and driveways.
• Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris.
• Insulate your home to prevent heat loss.
• Have a supply of food and water on hand in case of power outages.